STATES FAIL TO FIGHT GANGSTERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19238, 27 November 1930, Page 1

STATES FAIL TO FIGHT GANGSTERS.

PRESIDENT HOOVER CALLS ON THE PUBLIC TO ASSIST (United Press Assr..—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright.) WASHINGTON. November 25. “ The report that I am proposing to Congress any extension of the Federal criminal laws, in order to cover racketeering, is untrue,” said President Hoover in a statement. “Every single State has ample laws to cover such criminality, and the Federal Government is assisting local authorities to overcome the gangsters and the corrupt control of some Governments.” “ I get no satisfaction, however, from the reflection that the only way in which these matters can be controlled is for the Federal Government to convict gangsters for failing to pay income tax on the financial product of their crimes against State laws. What we need is more widespread public awakening to the failure of some of the local governments to protect their citizens from murder, racketeering and other crimes, and the public should rally to the support of those who are making a courageous battle to clean up these places.” Particular point is given to the President's statement by the fact that California vineyardists, who are supported by Farm Board grants, and who are attempting to distribute grape juice concentrates which can be legally fermented within the home, have been threatened by gangsters with death unless they pay tribute, as they are interfering with the bootleggers established in the business.